Dublin Bans the Use of Wild Animals in Circuses!

Dublin, the capital city of Ireland, has officially passed legislation banning the use of wild animals in circuses this week. According to Dublin Live, the decision by the Dublin City Council was made on Monday July 25.

Councilor Noeleen Reilly, who introduced the motion, celebrated the recent decision, and also stated that she wants to see the Minister for Agriculture bring about legislation that would extend the ban throughout Ireland. She stated:

“I am delighted my motion was passed. This is a cruel outdated practice that holds no place in modern Ireland. I want to commend all the local authorities who have passed similar motions to date and now call on the Minister to listen to what the councils are telling him and to ban this practice from the state immediately.”

John Camody, a spokesperson for Animal Rights Action Network, sees this move as a step in the right direction in terms of assuring an eventual nation-wide ban on the use of animals in Irish circuses. He stated:

“Animals touring Irish circuses in 2016 include elephants, tigers, camels, horses, ponies, crocodiles, parrots, and so many other animals prompting the need for national legislation to ban, outright, any circus using any animals…thankfully we feel that the tide is turning and we welcome the day Irish circuses can thrive with proper artists and acrobats.”